Studiehoved af Hother. Trekvartprofil 1813

This drawing, "Studiehoved af Hother. Trekvartprofil," was made by C.G. Kratzenstein Stub, likely in the early 19th century, using graphite on paper. The artist's focus is clearly on line and form. See how the graphite pencil allows for delicate, almost tentative strokes, building up the image gradually. The very lightness of the medium allows a sense of the sitter’s features emerging from the blankness of the paper. Consider the social context. Drawings like this were often preparatory studies, part of a longer process leading to a finished painting, and a way for artists to hone their skills through close observation. But they also stand alone as intimate records of a specific person, made with care. So, while a drawing like this might seem simple, it embodies a whole world of artistic practice and social relationships, raising questions about the value we place on both labor and artistic skill.